Sanitary napkin for clean body benefit

ABSTRACT

A sanitary napkin has a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the facing layer and backsheet. The facing layer has a first region comprising a plurality of apertures, and a second region comprising a plurality of raised, out-of-plane deformations that can be soft, resilient, rib-like elements. In one embodiment, the sanitary napkin also comprises a deep-embossed channel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/434,792 filed Dec. 18, 2002.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to catamenial products such as sanitary napkins.In particular, this invention relates to body-facing layers for sanitarynapkins that improve fluid acquisition and result in the wearer having aclean body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Body-facing layers of disposable absorbent products such as sanitarynapkins, disposable diaper, and adult incontinence products are wellknown in the art. Body-facing layers are sometimes referred to as facinglayers, and more commonly are referred to as topsheets.

Topsheets on disposable absorbent articles are fluid pervious sheets orwebs; commonly nonwoven webs are utilized. Nonwoven webs provide fluidpermeability along with softness. Although a nonwoven web can be used“as is” in many cases, it is often important to modify the nonwoven webfor a particular purpose. For example, nonwoven webs for topsheets canbe apertured, corrugated, or treated with fluid flow-modifying agentssuch as surfactants.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,661 and 5,628,097, both issued to Curro et al.,disclose an apertured nonwoven web, and a method for making the web.This web has been found to be useful as a topsheet on disposablediapers, for example, by permitting viscous body exudates a pathway toan absorbent core within the diaper.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,801 issued to Chappell et al. discloses a processfor forming a web, including laminates of webs, the process formingrib-like elements in a web. Such a process is disclosed as producingelastic-like webs from films, and the like. The elastic-like webs areformed by passing a web through the nip of a pair of intermeshing rollsthat form the rib-like elements.

Both apertured and elastic-like webs made according to the processesdisclosed in the above-mentioned Curro et al. and Chappell et al.patents have been disclosed separately for use in topsheets fordisposable absorbent articles. However, there remains a need fortopsheets effective in keeping the body of the wearer clean during use.

Accordingly, there is a need for a topsheet that is effective atabsorbing body exudates, and at cleaning the skin of the wearer of anybody exudates that remain on the skin during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A sanitary napkin has a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and anabsorbent core disposed between the facing layer and backsheet. Thefacing layer has a first region comprising a plurality of apertures, anda second region comprising a plurality of raised, out-of-planedeformations that can be soft, resilient, rib-like elements. In oneembodiment, the sanitary napkin also comprises a deep-embossed channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is cross sectional view of Section 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin of the present inventionhaving deep-embossed channels.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin of the present inventionhaving deep-embossed channels.

FIG. 6 is cross sectional view of Section 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows in partial cut away plan view one embodiment of a sanitarynapkin 20 of the present invention comprising a backsheet 22, a facinglayer 1, and an absorbent core 24 disposed between the facing layer 1and backsheet 26 which can be joined about a their periphery 21. Facinglayer 1 can comprise a topsheet 26 alone, or together with a secondarytopsheet 27 adjacent to and in contact with topsheet 26. Sanitary napkin20 can have side extensions, commonly referred to as “wings” 28,designed to wrap the sides of the crotch region of the panties of theuser of sanitary napkin 20. Wings 28 typically have fastening means (notshown) to releasably affix the sanitary napkin 20 to the panty.

Facing layer 1 of sanitary napkin 20 is a body-facing layer having afirst region 2 and a second region 3, the two regions beingdifferentiated by the kind of deformations 6 disposed in each. Facinglayer 1 may comprise a topsheet 26 as is commonly known in the art, andit can be a composite comprising both topsheet 26 and secondary topsheet27, also as known in the art. Sanitary napkins, including topsheets andsecondary topsheets for use as the body facing surface thereof, are wellknown in the art and need no detailed description of various alternativeand optional components and designs, all of which can form a part of thepresent invention.

Deformations 6 comprise apertures 8 and out-of-plane deformations 10 canbe rib-like elements 10, each of which are important to providing thebenefit of facing layer 1. In particular, apertures 8 are disposed in,and extend through, first region(s) 2 of the facing layer 1 and aresufficiently large (e.g., at least about 1 to 2 mm² each) to permit moreviscous fluids, such as menses, to flow through the facing layer 1 andinto absorbent core 24. First region 2, therefore, is preferablydisposed generally centrally to sanitary pad 20, preferably along acentrally-disposed longitudinal axis L and at or near the junction ofthe L axis and a centrally disposed transverse axis T. Longitudinal axisL and transverse axis T define a two-dimensional plane of the sanitarynapkin, which, in the embodiment shown is associated with the machinedirection (MD) and cross machine direction (CD) as is commonly known inthe art of making sanitary napkins in continuous processes.

Out-of-plane deformations 10 are disposed in second region 3 of facinglayer 1. In general, by “out-of-plane” is meant extending in the“Z”-direction, as indicated by FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 out-of-planedeformations 10 are shown in exaggerated proportion, although there arenot believed to be particular dimensional limitations. The only designconsiderations with respect to the dimensions of out-of-planedeformations 10 are those related to the comfort to the wearer. It maybe that for particular facing layers 1 the height (Z-direction) ofout-of-plane deformations 10 can be uniform; in other embodiments theheight can vary, such as by increasing with increasing outboard distancefrom longitudinal centerline L. In one embodiment, out-of-planedeformations 10 are disposed generally outboard of first region 2, asshown in FIG. 1.

Out-of-plane deformations 10 can be rib-like elements, as shown in FIGS.1 and 2. As such, out-of-plane deformations 10 can comprise raisedridges of a pre-defined length that is much shorter than the length ofthe sanitary napkin, measured along the longitudinal centerline, forexample. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, out-of-plane deformations10 are disposed in a regular pattern of rib-like elements that form apattern of diamond-shapes, each diamond shape being comprised of aplurality of rib-like elements. In this manner, the out-of-planedeformations 10 also contribute to softness and flexibility, as well asproviding for improved visual perception of comfort. In general, theindividual rib-like elements can have a length, measured along theirlongitudinal orientation, of between 1% and 50% of the length of thesanitary napkin, measured along the longitudinal axis. In a preferredembodiment, the individual rib-like elements can have a length ofbetween 10% and 20% of the length of the sanitary napkin, with a spacingin the L-T plane such that there is not a straight path from any portionof the first region 2 to either of the longitudinal side edges ofsanitary napkin 20.

In a preferred embodiment, first region 2 is disposed generallycentrally with respect to the sanitary napkin. As shown in FIGS. 1-6,first region 2 can be disposed centrally and generally symmetricallywith respect to the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T. Secondregion 3 is preferably disposed outboard of first region 2 preferably inan area extending from first region 2 to an area adjacent longitudinalside edges of the sanitary napkin 20.

In general, the facing layer 1 can comprise nonwoven materials as areknown in the art for topsheets on disposable absorbent articles.Absorbent core 24 and backsheet 22 can likewise comprise absorbentmaterials, and film materials, respectively, as is well known in theart. Secondary topsheet 27 (if used) can be a distribution layer thatserves to distribute fluid in the directions of MD and CD. Wings, ifused, can be integral extensions of the topsheet or the backsheet orboth, and they can be symmetric about the longitudinal axis L,transverse axis T, or both.

The clean body benefit of the present invention is in part due toapertures 8 and out-of-plane deformations 10 that form discrete regionsof facing layer 1. Apertures 8 provide for relatively unimpeded fluidflow of viscous fluid having a percentage of solids content, such asmenstrual fluid. Raised, out-of-plane deformations 10 are a plurality ofindividual fluid barriers, each effective in retarding any free fluidflow that may have a tendency to run off the facing layer 1 whensanitary napkin 20 is used, without becoming a total block of fluiddistribution to outboard portions of the sanitary napkin 20. In additionout-of-plane deformations 10 are soft, resilient, textured wipers tohelp keep the skin surfaces of the wearer clean.

As shown in FIG. 2, apertures 8 permit fluid communication between abody-contacting surface 9 of facing layer 1, and a second surface 11 offacing layer 1. Typically, second surface 11 is in contact withabsorbent core 24 to effect efficient fluid flow into the core 24. Fluidtypically flows from the body source in the direction of arrows F whenthe sanitary napkin is in use. However, it can be appreciated thatmenstrual fluid does not necessarily flow straight down in a gush, but,rather it flows out in contact with the wearer's skin onto the surfaceof the sanitary napkin. For this reason, it is important that fluid thatotherwise has a tendency to follow the skin rather than enter the pad,be urged into the pad. It is believed that the raised, out-of-planedeformations 10 serves as a plurality of discrete wipers to urge, i.e.,to wipe, fluid off the body and into the pad during use.

Additionally, since menses can have a substantial solids content, andcan be relatively non-Newtonian, i.e., having a high viscosity relativeto other fluids such as urine, the apertures 8 and out-of-planedeformations 10 aid in effective menses absorption into an absorbentcore. Out-of-plane deformations 10 can act as barriers to prevent mensesfrom migrating along the wearer's skin, and apertures 8 permitpenetration of solids through facing layer 1.

It can also be appreciated with reference to FIG. 2 that fluid having atendency to run off the facing layer 1 in the CD direction will beimpeded by raised, out-of-plane deformations 10 generally disposed alongthe longitudinal side edges of sanitary napkin 20. Although all theraised, out-of-plane deformations 10 are shown as being alignedlongitudinally in the MD, this is just a currently preferred embodiment.In practice, raised, out-of-plane deformations 10 could be orientedotherwise.

In the preferred embodiments shown, apertures 8 and raised, out-of-planedeformations 10 are shown in a longitudinally-aligned orientations. Thisis due to the preferred method for making, as disclosed below. But it isrecognized that other patterns of apertures and deformations are withinthe scope of the invention, including, for example, a discrete region inthe center of the pad having apertures, the discrete region notextending to any of the peripheral edges. Also, apertures anddeformations could be in a stripe pattern with the stripes generallytransversely aligned.

FIG. 2 shows a two-layer facing layer 1 having a topsheet 26 layer and asecondary topsheet 27 layer. It is recognized that the facing layer 1need not be limited to any particular number of layers, and can haveonly one, or it can have three or more.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that superior fluidacquisition is obtained by having the topsheet 26 layer and thesecondary topsheet 27 layer intimately contacting one another byprocessing the two together as a composite web material by the methoddisclosed below. In this manner, the topsheet 26 and the secondarytopsheet 27 become somewhat intermeshed and function as a single facinglayer 1.

FIG. 3 shows a method for making facing layer 1 of the present inventionthat is suitable for use on sanitary napkin 20. Facing layer 1 is formedfrom a generally planar, two dimensional nonwoven precursor web 200 onapparatus 100, the apparatus preferably being oriented for continuousweb processing with respect to a machine direction (MD) and a crossmachine direction (CD) as is commonly known in the art of nonwoven webs.Precursor web 200 has formed therein in predetermined regions aplurality of melt-weakened portions 115 prior to entering nip 116.Melt-weakened portions are formed in predetermined regions of web 200 bythermal point calendaring in the predetermined regions, thepredetermined regions corresponding to first region(s) 2 of facing layer1, that is, the region where apertures are ultimately desired. Eachmelt-weakened portion of the predetermined region is generally elongatedand oriented in the MD. Upon stretching in the CD in the portion of theapparatus 100 corresponding to the region 113, the melt-weakenedportions rupture to form apertures 8. In one embodiment, themelt-weakened portions 115 are limited to the central region of web 200,that is, the region corresponding to the central first region 2 ofsanitary napkin 20 in FIG. 1.

The apparatus 100 comprises a pair of rolls 102 and 104, each rotatingabout parallel axes A, and is similar in many respects to theapparatuses described in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,661and 5,628,097, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,801 issued to Chappell et al.,each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The primarydifference is the combination in one apparatus the benefit ofaperture-forming rolls as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,661 and5,628,097, and rib-like element-forming rolls as taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,518,801. By combining both into one apparatus to form both aperturesand rib-like elements in one facing layer 1, the sanitary napkin of thepresent invention provides for significant benefits over prior artsanitary napkins. In particular, the sanitary napkin of the presentinvention is better at keeping the body of the wearer clean thanpreviously-known sanitary napkins. It is believed that the apertures 8of facing layer permit rapid acquisition of menses into the core 24, andthe rib-like elements 10 serve to stop lateral fluid flow. As well,rib-like elements 10 serve as a plurality of “wipers” to constantly wipethe skin with the body movements of the wearer.

The apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 comprises a roll 102 comprising aplurality of circumferentially-extending ridges 106 separated by grooves108, as disclosed in the above-mentioned patents and as well known inthe art of “ring-rolling”. A second, intermeshing roll 104 comprises afirst region 113 having essentially matching roll 102 and having ridges106 separated by grooves 108. The intermeshing ridges 106 and grooves108 of rolls 102 and 104 incrementally stretch precursor web 200 to formapertures 8 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,661 and 5,628,097. Ofcourse, precursor web 200 has melt-weakened regions 115 formed thereinprior to precursor web 200 entering the nip 116 of apparatus 100.

In addition to region 113, roll 104 has two regions 111 comprisingridges having formed therein teeth 110, the toothed ridges separated bygrooves 112. Ridges 106 of roll 102 intermesh with the grooves 112 ofroll 104 to form the rib-like elements 10 of second region(s) 3.

In this manner a web suitable for a facing layer 1 is produced, thefacing layer 1 having both first regions 2 and second regions 3comprising apertures 8 and rib-like elements 10, respectively, andsuitable for use on a sanitary napkin, as shown in FIG. 1. Facing layer1 has a first region 2 defined on both sides of facing layer 1 by havinga plurality of spaced apart apertures 8. A second region 3 is defined bya plurality of spaced-apart rib-like elements 10 which are integralextensions of the fibers of the precursor web 200.

One advantage of the apparatus described above is that the facing layercan be produced in-line with other production equipment on amanufacturing line for producing disposable absorbent articles. Forexample, an apparatus such as the above-disclosed thermal pointcalendaring rolls for making melt-weakened portions 115 and the pair ofrolls 102 and 104, can be made as a unit operation that can be insertedinto an existing manufacturing line. As unit operations themselves, suchapparatuses can be modular such that they can be changed out relativelyquickly and easily with other modular unit operations. When used as partof a manufacturing line for sanitary napkins, for example, theconstituent rollers need not be much wider than the product itself,thereby providing for relatively quick and easy installation andremoval. Various patterns of first region 2 and second region 3 cantherefore be implemented with a minimum of manufacturing lineinterruption.

In one embodiment, the facing layer 1 of the present invention can havea lotion applied thereto to provide even more and better benefits. Inone embodiment a lotion as disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 10/262,036, filed Oct. 1, 2002, which is hereby incorporated'hereinby reference.

Apertures 8, and discrete raised, out-of-plane deformations 10 serve toadd significant extensibility to facing layer 1. For example, it hasbeen found that sanitary napkins of the present invention havingsignificant caliper (thickness) due, for example, to a relatively thickabsorbent core, can have deep-embossed channels produced therein, thechannels having a tendency to stay deep-embossed.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, a channel 5 can be deep-embossed into sanitarynapkin 20. Embossing facing layer 1 deep into absorbent core 24 providesfor a fluid-impeding channel that helps contain fluid flow, and, aswell, adds to the aesthetic appearance of the sanitary napkin 20. Inprior art sanitary napkins, deep-embossing is often not effective due tothe lack of channel retention during packaging, storage, or use. It isbelieved that the elastic tension of a normal topsheet works to slowlypull the embossing out after it is put in. The inherent extensibility ofthe facing layer 1 of the present invention, however, permitssignificant extension of the facing layer 1 into the deep-embossedchannel 5, with little or no restoring force present.

Also as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the deep-embossed channel 5 can defineat least one interior portion which is the portion of the sanitarynapkin circumscribed by the channel 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG.5, for example, three interior portions are defined by channel 5. In apreferred embodiment, the first region is disposed substantially withinthe interior portion(s) defined by channel 5.

As shown in cross section in FIG. 6, the deep embossed channels cansignificantly compress the absorbent core 24 in the region of channel(s)5. This provides for additional fluid containment near the centralportion of sanitary napkin 20.

By way of example, deep embossed channels 5 can have a depth dimensionin the Z-direction of at least about 50% of the caliper (thickness inthe Z-direction) of the sanitary napkin 20, more preferably about 60%,70%, 80% or 90% of the caliper. Thus, if the caliper of the sanitarynapkin 20 is 10 mm, the depth of embossment of channel(s) 5 can be 6 mm,7 mm, 8 mm, or 9 mm. Caliper and depth dimensions can be averagedimensions if either are not consistent across the entire sanitarynapkin.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment facing sheet 1 does not compriseapertures. In this embodiment, the raised, out-of-plane deformations 10provide sufficient extensibility to facing sheet 1 to permit theformation and retention of deep-embossed channels 5.

By “retention” of deep-embossed channels 5 is meant that after beingpackaged and/or used, the channels 5 retain at least 50% of theiroriginal depth dimension, more preferably 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%.Depth can be measured by any techniques known in the art, including bysimple digital depth gauge, using an average depth if depth is variableover the length of channels 5.

Nonwoven precursor webs 200 can be any known nonwoven webs or compositesof two or more nonwoven webs, each comprising fibers having sufficientmechanical (e.g., elongation) properties to be formed into web 1 asdescribed more fully below. Fibers can be monocomponent, bicomponent,biconstituent, or capillary channel fibers.

As used herein, the term “nonwoven web” refers to a web having astructure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but notin an identifiable manner as in a woven or knitted fabric. Nonwoven websor fabrics have been formed from many processes, such as, for example,meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, and bonded carded webprocesses. The basis weight of nonwoven fabrics is usually expressed ingrams per square meter (gsm) and the fiber diameters are usuallyexpressed in microns. Fiber size can also be expressed in denier. Thebasis weight of precursor web 200 (which can be a single layer or acomposite of more than one layer) can range from 10 gsm to 200 gsm,depending on the ultimate use of the web 1.

The constituent fibers of nonwoven precursor web 200 can be polymerfibers, and can be monocomponent, bicomponent, and/or biconstituent,capillary channel fibers, and can have major cross-sectional dimensions(e.g., diameter for round fibers) ranging from 5-200 microns. Theconstituent fibers can range from about 0.1 denier to about 100 denier.

As used herein, “spunbond fibers” refers to small diameter fibers whichare formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments froma plurality of fine, usually circular capillaries of a spinneret withthe diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced.Spunbond fibers are generally not tacky when they are deposited on acollecting surface. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous and haveaverage diameters (from a sample of at least 10) larger than 7 microns,and more particularly, between about 10 and 40 microns.

As used herein, the term “meltblowing” refers to a process in whichfibers are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through aplurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries as molten threadsor filaments into converging high velocity, usually heated, gas (forexample air) streams which attenuate the filaments of moltenthermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which may be tomicrofiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by thehigh velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface,often while still tacky, to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblownfibers. Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous ordiscontinuous and are generally smaller than 10 microns in averagediameter.

As used herein, the term “polymer” generally includes, but is notlimited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example, block, graft,random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and blends andmodifications thereof. In addition, unless otherwise specificallylimited, the term “polymer” includes all possible geometricconfigurations of the material. The configurations include, but are notlimited to, isotactic, atactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries.

As used herein, the term “monocomponent” fiber refers to a fiber formedfrom one or more extruders using only one polymer. This is not meant toexclude fibers formed from one polymer to which small amounts ofadditives have been added for coloration, antistatic properties,lubrication, hydrophilicity, etc. These additives, for example titaniumdioxide for coloration, are generally present in an amount less thanabout 5 weight percent and more typically about 2 weight percent.

As used herein, the term “bicomponent fibers” refers to fibers whichhave been formed from at least two different polymers extruded fromseparate extruders but spun together to form one fiber. Bicomponentfibers are also sometimes referred to as conjugate fibers ormulticomponent fibers. The polymers are arranged in substantiallyconstantly positioned distinct zones across the cross-section of thebicomponent fibers and extend continuously along the length of thebicomponent fibers. The configuration of such a bicomponent fiber maybe, for example, a sheath/core arrangement wherein one polymer issurrounded by another, or may be a side-by-side arrangement, a piearrangement, or an “islands-in-the-sea” arrangement.

As used herein, the term “biconstituent fibers” refers to fibers whichhave been formed from at least two polymers extruded from the sameextruder as a blend. The term “blend” is defined below. Biconstituentfibers do not have the various polymer components arranged in relativelyconstantly positioned distinct zones across the cross-sectional area ofthe fiber and the various polymers are usually not continuous along theentire length of the fiber, instead usually forming fibrils which startand end at random. Biconstituent fibers are sometimes also referred toas multiconstituent fibers.

As used herein, the term “capillary channel fibers” refers to fibershaving capillary channels. Such fibers can be hollow fibers, forexample, but are preferably fibers having capillary channels on theirouter surfaces. The capillary channels can be of various cross-sectionalshapes such as “U-shaped”, “H-shaped”, “C-shaped” and “V-shaped”.

While various preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosedherein, such embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. As can be understood from the above description of sanitarynapkin 20 of the present invention, many various structures can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention as claimed inthe appended claims.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. It is therefore intended tocover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that arewithin the scope of this invention.

1. A sanitary napkin having a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinalorientation and longitudinally-oriented side edges, a transverse axisorthogonal to said longitudinal axis, a thickness measured orthogonal toa plane defined by said longitudinal axis and said transverse axis, saidsanitary napkin comprising: a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and anabsorbent core disposed between said facing layer and said backsheet;said facing layer comprising a first region comprising a plurality ofapertures and a second region comprising a plurality of out-of-planedeformations, wherein each out-of-plane deformation has a longitudinallength less than a longitudinal length of the sanitary napkin, and noout-of-plane deformation has a longitudinal length equal to thelongitudinal length of the sanitary napkin; said facing layer beingcomprised of a fibrous nonwoven web; said first region and said secondregion of said facing layer being disposed in the same said fibrousnonwoven web.
 2. A sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein saidfacing layer comprises a topsheet and a secondary topsheet disposedbetween said topsheet and said absorbent core.
 3. A sanitary napkinaccording to claim 1, wherein said out-of-plane deformations are soft,resilient, rib-like elements.
 4. A sanitary napkin according to claim 3,wherein said rib-like elements are longitudinally-oriented.
 5. Asanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein said first region isdisposed centrally to said sanitary napkin along said longitudinal axisand said second region is disposed adjacent at least one of saidlongitudinally-oriented side edges and adjacent said first region ofsaid facing layer.
 6. A sanitary napkin according to claim 1, furthercomprising a deep-embossed channel.
 7. A sanitary napkin according toclaim 6, wherein said deep-embossed channel has a depth of at least 50%of said thickness of said sanitary napkin.
 8. A sanitary napkin having alongitudinal axis defining a longitudinal orientation andlongitudinally-oriented side edges, a transverse axis orthogonal to saidlongitudinal axis, a thickness measured orthogonal to a plane defined bysaid longitudinal axis and said transverse axis, said sanitary napkincomprising: a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and an absorbent coredisposed between said facing layer and said backsheet; said facing layercomprising a first region comprising a plurality of apertures and asecond region comprising a plurality of out-of-plane deformations; saidfacing layer being comprised of a fibrous nonwoven web; said firstregion and said second region of said facing layer being disposed in thesame said fibrous nonwoven web; said sanitary napkin comprising at leastone deep-embossed channel defining and circumscribing an interiorportion of said sanitary napkin.
 9. A sanitary napkin according to claim8, wherein said facing layer comprises a topsheet and a secondarytopsheet disposed between said topsheet and said absorbent core.
 10. Asanitary napkin according to claim 8, wherein said out-of-planedeformations are soft, resilient, rib-like elements.
 11. A sanitarynapkin according to claim 10, wherein said rib-like elements arelongitudinally-oriented.
 12. A sanitary napkin according to claim 8,wherein said first region is disposed substantially within said interiorportion.
 13. A sanitary napkin having a longitudinal axis defining alongitudinal orientation and longitudinally-oriented side edges, atransverse axis orthogonal to said longitudinal axis, a thicknessmeasured orthogonal to a plane defined by said longitudinal axis andsaid transverse axis, said sanitary napkin comprising: a facing layerjoined to a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between saidfacing layer and said backsheet; said facing layer comprising aplurality of out-of-plane deformations, said out-of-plane deformationsbeing soft, resilient, rib-like elements; wherein the individualrib-like elements have a length, measured along their longitudinalorientation, of between 1% and 20% of the length of the sanitary napkin;and said sanitary napkin comprising at least one deep-embossed channeldefining and circumscribing an interior portion of said sanitary napkin.14. A sanitary napkin according to claim 13, wherein said facing layercomprises a topsheet and a secondary topsheet disposed between saidtopsheet and said absorbent core.
 15. A sanitary napkin according toclaim 13, wherein said rib-like elements are longitudinally-oriented.16. A sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein said facing layercomprises a fibrous nonwoven web, and wherein said plurality ofapertures are formed in said fibrous nonwoven web.
 17. A sanitary napkinaccording to claim 2, wherein said topsheet and said secondary topsheetare comprised of fibrous nonwoven webs.
 18. A sanitary napkin accordingto claim 17, wherein said topsheet and said secondary topsheet form acomposite web material wherein said topsheet and said secondary topsheetare intermeshed.
 19. A sanitary napkin according to claim 8, whereinsaid first region is disposed centrally to said sanitary napkin alongsaid longitudinal axis and said second region is disposed adjacent atleast one of said longitudinally-oriented side edges and adjacent saidfirst region of said sanitary napkin.
 20. A sanitary napkin according toclaim 13, wherein said plurality of out-of-plane deformations aredisposed along at least one of said longitudinally-oriented side edgesof said sanitary napkin.
 21. A sanitary napkin according to claim 13,wherein said deep-embossed channel has a depth of at least 50% of saidthickness of said sanitary napkin.